Because did I, an orthopedic surgeon, really deserve an invitation? Yes, I’d saved the governor’s son’s leg, but any doctor would have done the same thing in my position. I just happened to be the one assigned to his case. That didn’t mean that I was any more deserving of recognition than the next surgeon.
Plus, I really hated schmoozing with the elite. I simply wanted to sit on my chaise lounge with a glass of red wine—keeps the doctor away—and talk to my sister on the phone. I hadn’t spoken to Ellynn in a couple of days. Since Ellynn had had her youngest in March, my niece’s evening nap time had become when we had our talk sessions. Our calls coincided perfectly with my work schedule. If Ellynn failed to connect, then it was most likely because her oldest daughter or husband vied for her attention.
I couldn’t complain, but at times, loneliness made me want to speak into the void,“What about me?”
Again, I couldn’t complain. I’d set myself on this course.My focus had been on getting into med school, becoming an orthopedic surgeon, then becoming the best. Now that I’d won a few awards implying as much, my life seemed to be ... adrift.
I sighed and shook my head. No melancholy when Mariah was singing “Always Be My Baby.” I pushed my thoughts aside and attempted to match my voice to Mariah’s higher octave. Yeah, good thing I was the only one in the car.
After I entered the driveway that ran alongside the governor’s mansion, I exited my car in the full demureness that hid my internal shaking. The valet nodded, and I followed the other well-dressed visitors entering the brick home.
I gave my name to the gatekeeper, who, unfortunately, let me proceed. I scanned the premises, searching for someone I recognized. Correction,knew.I recognized many of the faces—an actor fromYellowstoneand a country star who sang “Settle for a Slowdown”—but didn’t actuallyknowthem.
Remember to breathe deeply and center yourself. You put bones back together and occasionally save lives. Surely you can chitchat with celebrities.
Instead of taking the words to heart, my mind’s eye searched for exits and potential rooms in which to hide to gather my breath and escape the noise.
“Erykah?” Disbelief coated a man’s voice.
A familiar voice.
I turned to my right, and a slight gasp escaped me. It was the man from the Skirted Heifer.
“Christian?”
“Chris,” he reminded while sliding his hands into his tux pockets.
My mouth dried as he stepped closer. How did his blue eyes shine brighter? He’d cleaned up his facial hair andturned his beard into a goatee. Without the beanie on his head, I could see the thick, perfectly groomed hair on top. My pulse skittered.
“I thoughtChriswas only used by your friends.” I swallowed. Did my voice hold a breathless quality?
“I could use a local friend.”
Heat filled my cheeks, and I glanced away. “How do you know I’m local?”
“You live in Colorado, right?”
My gaze found his once more. “Yes.”
“Then you’ve got a leg up on my other friends. They’re out-of-staters.”
“Oh.”Oh? That’s all you’ve got, Erykah?But considering my clammy palms,ohwas a step up from silence.
Christian tilted his head. “What are you doing here?”
“I was invited. You?”
“Same.”
“Oh.” I groaned inwardly. I needed to learn how to talk without using medical jargon or barking out instructions.
“Can I get you something to drink? Do you know what table you’re sitting at?”
I shook my head. “I don’t.” I blinked. “I mean, I would like something to drink, and I have no idea where I’m sitting.”
“Well, let’s solve both problems, huh?”
“Okay.” Was it sad I wanted to applaud myself for not sayingohonce more?
